Most experts recommend that the first step to become a veterinarian is to build up lots of practical experience by volunteering. Many recommend as much as six years of experience as a volunteer to increase the chances of being accepted into an accredited college for veterinary medicine. After completion of secondary education, it is typically recommended to earn a four year, college degree in either biology, math, or science. A four year degree and hours of volunteer experience increase the chance of being accepted into a veterinarian school, where one will study for an additional four to six years, depending on the country's requirements. Additional exams and continuing education courses are often required to keep a veterinarian's license current and valid.
Volunteer Work
Some secondary schools now require a certain number of community service hours per year to graduate. Even if it is not a requirement, students may volunteer during secondary school to build credible experience by working with a local vet, a veterinarian hospital, or a humane shelter. If there is an opportunity to work in a zoo with exotic animals, the chance of college acceptance may increase as well. Students should avoid getting pigeonholed into one specialty and try out as many different types of “vetting” as possible. By volunteering during this stage of their education, students increase their chances of being accepted not only to an undergraduate program, but to a veterinarian school as well.
Undergraduate Studies
In most countries, it is recommended that students earn the equivalent of a bachelor's degree before applying to a veterinarian school of medicine; preferably, the degree should be in a related field such as biology, math, or science. Earning high grades is important because there are relatively few veterinarian schools in most countries, so acceptance is generally competitive. For example, there are fewer than 30 accredited schools for the would-be veterinarian in the United States; if a candidate's grades are not high, chances of getting accepted by one of these schools is minimal. Continuing to work with animals either on a volunteer or study basis is important when earning an undergraduate degree.
Veterinarian School
The application process for veterinarian school varies from school to school. Most countries have a veterinarian association where information is available regarding veterinarian schools and requirements for each country. In the United States, the organization is called the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Europe has a Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), and in Japan it is known as the Japan Veterinary Medical Association, just to name a few. When deciding to become a veterinarian, these associations may offer valuable information on their websites regarding which school to apply for, how to apply, and what to expect.
Once in a school for veterinary medicine, students will complete an average of four to six years of study, plus practical training, before applying to become a veterinarian. In the United States, these years should be preparation to take federal licensing exams; one should also expect to take state licensing examinations for any state where the practice will be located. Some other countries also require potential veterinarians to pass a final exam before becoming a licensed animal doctor. During veterinary school, students may decide which field they wish to study; some options include domestic animals, reptiles and birds, and marine life. It is also possible to specialize in a specific area, but this usually requires additional schooling.
Continuing Education
In order to become a veterinarian, many countries require vets to gain continuing education credits in order to maintain a valid license. This is usually required because the field of medicine is constantly changing; it is important for all doctors to learn and practice with the latest knowledge.
